Early Childhood Programs and Services

Early experiences have a significant impact on children’s well being and later success in school, work and the community, and sets the foundation for lifelong learning. It is during the early years that a child develops socially, physically, intellectually, creatively and emotionally at a more rapid pace than any other time in their lives. Parents, educators and community members recognize the value of providing enriching supportive experiences that enable children to grow and become healthy, happy and productive citizens.

In addition to the programs offered through the Department of Education, there are many others that also serve children birth to age six and their families. These include regulated full-time or part-time child care centres, family childcare homes, family resource centre programs, school-sponsored pre-Kindergarten programs, and early literacy programs such as those affiliated with public libraries, schools and community centres.

For more information, contact your nearest Child Care Regional Office:

The Department of Health and Community Services

Publicly funded health and community services are delivered across Newfoundland and Labrador by four regional health authorities. Some of these programs and services include:

For more information about the health and community services available in your community, please visit the Department of Health and Community Services or contact your local regional health authority:

Eastern Regional Health Authority

St. John’s: (709) 752-4800
Rural Avalon: (709) 759-3354
Bonavista, Clarenville: (709) 468-5243
Burin: (709) 891-5025

Central Regional Health Authority

Gander: (709) 256-2500
Grand Falls-Windsor: (709) 292-2500
Central Health Corporate office: (709) 292-2138

Western Regional Health Authority

Corner Brook: (709) 637-5000
Stephenville: (709) 643-8700

Labrador / Grenfell Regional Health Authority

St. Anthony: (709) 454-3333
Happy Valley-Goose Bay: (709) 897-2000
Labrador City:(709) 944-2632

The Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development

A number of programs and initiatives that promote healthy pregnancy, infancy, and birth, improve parenting and family supports, and strengthen early childhood development are available within the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development. Information about specific program areas can be found at:

For more information, visit http://www.cssd.gov.nl.ca/index.html